A Survey of the UK Iodine Status

The Thyroid Gland

Thyroid Hormones

Iodine

• An important element in the manufacture of thyroid hormones

• Most iodine is present in sea water which evaporates and returns to the soil in rain

• Low iodine levels are common in mountainous regions far away from the sea

• The major source is bread and milk

What happens if a country has low iodine levels?

• Thyroid swelling (called a “Goitre”) common when iodine intake low

• Babies born with thyroid failure if very low

• If iodine levels mildly low, there may be a risk that babies might be born with lower intelligence

• Adding iodine to salt reduces the risk

Worldwide Iodine Nutrition (World Health Organisation 2004)

Survey in the UK

Dundee

Sheffield

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